July 18 edition - VAN BUREN - A Van Buren man arrested earlier this month on drug trafficking charges has been ordered to remain in custody pending trial, according to court documents.

At a detention hearing on Monday, Robert Rossignol, 59, was denied release by U.S. Magistrate Judge Margaret J. Kravchuk, in U.S. District Court in Bangor.

In her ruling, Kravchuk said there was "a serious risk of flight in this case and that the conditions necessary for defendant’s release would require further investigation and more stringent conditions."

Citing indications that Rossignol likely has access to more money than he originally indicated, as well as his home's close proximity to the Canadian border and the possibility that he may either flee to Canada or seek Canadian citizenship through his wife, the judge determined that he poses a "significant risk of flight."

Kravchuk said he also took into account, as mitigating factors in his favor, Rossignol's age, his lack of any prior criminal record or known history of substance abuse, his prior service in both the military and law enforcement, along with the apparent lack of any violence associated with his role in the alleged drug violations.

Rossignol may apply for a new detention hearing seeking release, if he can satisfactorily meet conditions set forth by Kravchuk. These include the forfeiture of Rossignol's passport, his relocation to a residence that is in or near a Maine city located more than 100 miles from the Canadian border, his being subject to house arrest and a location monitoring system, and a complete and verified financial statement.

After the hearing Rossignol was ordered into the custody of the U.S. Attorney General for detention in a corrections facility. As of late Tuesday morning, available court records indicate Rossignol’s attorney had filed no motion for a new hearing.

Rossignol was arrested on July 1 in Van Buren in connection with an alleged operation to purchase and then transport narcotics into Canada, through northern Maine. Also arrested were Chad Hallet, 29, of Dieppe, New Brunswick and Matt LeBlanc, 29, of Shediac, New Brunswick. The complaint cites one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 10 kilograms or more of cocaine, as noted in court documents.